How my story begins: In January 2022, I passed a large blood clot, and every day afterward until about August, I was either passing blood clots or bleeding heavily.

I became ill around September, and on November 17, my husband had to rush me to the ER, where he almost lost me. That's when they found the mass. I received several blood transfusions and had to get bilateral nephrostomy tubes. I was in the ICU until November 20, when they moved me to a different room and then released me.

Life before my diagnosis: Happy and healthy. Married for 24 years this February, with 4 children.

How I felt after diagnosis: Terrified!

Telling my family and friends: I didn't tell my children until I saw my gynecologic oncologist on December 13, and I believe I still held off until the pathology report came back in January.

My treatment: Cisplatin (chemo), 25 radiation treatments, and 5 brachytherapy treatments the first time. The second time was 25 radiation treatments and Cisplatin. The third time, I had a total pelvic exenteration.

How I felt after treatment: After chemo and radiation, I just felt grateful to be alive. My TPE surgery has taken more of a mental toll. I often feel lost and lonely.

What was most difficult for me: Watching my children take care of me.

What I did to help myself: I stayed positive throughout this whole thing, and because of that, I believe I'm doing well.

My life after cancer: I’m doing good! Still positive!

Where I am today: I’m thinking about going to school and doing something in the health care system.

What I want other women to know: There is hope! Stay positive!

How I will try to help others: Because of the amazing people I met along my journey, I never felt completely alone. They had a way of making me feel better. I want to help others feel the way those nurses made me feel during the most difficult time of my life.

Any additional information you'd like to share: I love sharing my story because I feel it helps educate women.